The Climate Change Advisory Council has proposed coupling suckler farmers direct payments to a reduction in stock numbers. Suckler farmers at Tullamore Farm open day had different thoughts on the proposal.

Padraic Divilly from Galway said reducing stock shouldn't be compulsory in any way: "I think each farmer should be able to make up his own mind as to what is the best for him or if he needs to change to a different enterprise.

"To make it compulsory for me or anyone else to reduce your suckler herd, I think it would be a bit difficult for people to accept."

Farmers thoughts

John Cormican from Roscommon said if the proposal became reality he would decrease numbers, because it would suit his system. He has land away from his house and it would be simpler to buy in store cattle.

Tom Clancy, who travelled to the open day from Clare, said he would reduce numbers in this instance, but he would not be happy about it.

"I probably would have to (reduce stock numbers), changing enterprise isn't practical, so I'd have to go with it I suppose. I wouldn't be happy about it."

Gearoid Kenny, also a sucker farmer from Clare, said at home they have taken on more land, so their plan is to expand in numbers.

"With all the people leaving sucklers now, it might be no harm to go against the grain because the quality of cattle will be less in a few years' time. You might get paid well for better-quality cattle.

"Sometimes it is nearly better to let the dust settle and after that make up your mind."

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